Pharmacy Podcast Network

Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026 + Rare Disease Day 2026 | TWIRx

On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we spotlight two major conversations shaping the future of pharmacy practice in 2026.
First, we welcome Dr. Lisa Faast, PharmD, founder of DiversifyRx, to discuss the Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026 and how independent pharmacies can strengthen margins, diversify revenue streams, and build sustainable growth models in today’s reimbursement environment.
Then, we turn to Rare Disease Day 2026 with Richard Faris, PharmD, Chief Commercial & Clinical Officer at PANTHERx Rare, to discuss specialty pharmacy leadership, pharmacist impact, and new patient feedback data revealing communication gaps in rare disease care.
Segment 1: Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026Guest: Dr. Lisa Faast, PharmD | Founder, DiversifyRx
Dr. Faast joins us to break down the vision behind Pharmacy Profit Summit 2026 — an event designed to equip pharmacy owners with practical strategies to increase profitability while maintaining clinical excellence.
Key Topics Covered:
• Why independent pharmacies must move beyond traditional dispensing revenue • Diversification strategies including niche services and high-value offerings • Real-world financial benchmarks pharmacy owners should track • How mindset, leadership, and data discipline drive sustainable profitability • The importance of collaboration and shared intelligence among pharmacy entrepreneurs
The Pharmacy Profit Summit is not just about revenue — it’s about equipping pharmacy owners to compete intelligently in a rapidly consolidating healthcare market.
Segment 2: Rare Disease Day 2026Guest: Richard Faris, PharmD | PANTHERx Rare Pharmacy
In recognition of Rare Disease Day 2026, we are honored to welcome Richard Ferris, PharmD, to discuss the critical role pharmacists play in specialty pharmacy and rare disease care.
PANTHERx Rare recently released survey findings examining patient and caregiver experiences within rare disease treatment journeys.
Key Study Highlights:
• 90% of patients and caregivers report delays due to communication gaps • 68% report waiting for updates from providers, pharmacies, or insurers • 90% say they manage the care process themselves • 72% desire a dedicated care coordinator • 73% agree it is unclear who is responsible for coordinating rare disease care
Despite advances in specialty therapeutics, patients are still asking for the fundamentals: clear communication, coordinated care, and personalized support.
Richard discusses:
• The growing importance of specialty pharmacists as care coordinators • Why rare disease patients often feel burdened by system fragmentation • How specialty pharmacy can close communication gaps • The need for pharmacist-led continuity in complex therapy management
Rare Disease Day reminds us that specialty pharmacy is not only about high-cost medications — it is about human connection, long-term coordination, and advocacy for patients navigating some of the most complex clinical journeys in healthcare.  From business sustainability to patient-centered specialty care, this episode reinforces two realities:
Pharmacy must remain financially strong to survive.Pharmacists must remain clinically present to lead.
As the profession evolves, profitability and patient advocacy are not opposing forces — they are interdependent pillars of pharmacy’s future.
Listen now and join the conversation shaping Pharmacy in 2026.

Why Taking Fuller Advantage of Technology You Already Own Could Be Your Most Profitable Strategy | Pharmacy Crossroads

Many pharmacy owners invest in expensive technology but fail to fully utilize the system’s secondary and valuable features. This is a costly mistake!  It leaves significant operational efficiencies and profit opportunities unrealized.This program also invites managers to carefully review their tech vendor invoices to ensure new charges have not been added or that fees have not been quietly increased for features in their software agreements.Kevin Minassian, President of DataScan, notes his company provides a wide range of profit-enhancing services at no additional cost while competitors often add additional fees. Visit www.datascanpharmacy.com for more information.
 

Thug Drugs: Policy | Pain Pod

 “Thug Drugs: Policy”THUG DRUGS! With a name like that, it has to be good! Even better than Smuckers (Age old ad slogan for jelly/jam)! In this episode of the Pain Pod, we’re going to dive into Thug Drug Policies, here in our country, and beyond.Come one, come all, to the Pain Pod!!!www.painguy.us
 

Pediatric Pharmacist Review: The Pharmacist Families Didn’t Know They Needed...Until Now | Pediatric Pharmacist Review

Welcome back to the Pediatric Pharmacist Review Podcast.Today’s Pharmacist Spotlight features Brian Seyboth, a pediatric hematology/oncology pharmacist and the first full-time pharmacist at Perfecting Peds.In this episode, Brian shares a powerful patient care win that shaped his career and highlights why pediatric oncology pharmacy is both highly technical and deeply personal. We discuss how pharmacists optimize complex medication regimens, support families during difficult diagnoses, and improve outcomes through collaborative decision-making.Brian also reflects on mentoring residents, expanding pharmacist integration into pediatric care teams, and adapting clinical pharmacy services into a virtual environment.Whether you're a student, resident, or practicing clinician, this conversation shows how pharmacists can transform pediatric care through expertise and compassion.Let’s get started.

Bagging Better Benefits: The Grocery PBM Disruptor | PBM Reform

How Kroger does PBM and the future of community pharmacy is clinical encounters. 
 

LTC Rx at Home: Logistics & Advocacy | TWIRx

Rx4Route is a specialized pharmacy delivery management platform and software designed to optimize prescription delivery for pharmacies. It integrates with existing systems to provide real-time tracking, AI-powered route optimization, HIPAA-compliant proof of delivery, and driver management tools. It aims to reduce delivery costs and improve efficiency.Doni Sattarov with Rx4RouteRx4Route.com
 
Kristen Hutchison - Health Policy and Patient AdvocacyAs a seasoned medical technical writer and chronic illness patient advocate, I meticulously translate intricate medical information into succinct content tailored for diverse audiences, including engineers, clinicians, educators, and advocacy groups.https://www.khutchison.com/

The Blueprint to Pharmacy Success in 2026 | Pharmacy Tech Trends: PrimeRx

Join us for an informational session where Lisa Schwartz joins Ketan Mehta to discuss how pharmacies can build the road to success in 2026 through industry hurdles, trends, and policy changes.

Balancing Patient Care with Financial Strategy: Navigating Pharmacy Reimbursement | Cardinal Health™ Counter Talk™ Podcast

From reimbursements to inventory management, independent pharmacists face ongoing pressure to optimize the financial health of their business. In this episode, Jean Paul Gibeault, PharmD, RPh of Atlantic Health System shares how their two retail pharmacies have maintained strong financial performance using solutions like Cardinal Health™ Reimbursement Consulting Services (RCS). He discusses how real-time intelligence and a robust analytics and consulting platform can transform a pharmacy’s bottom line. Listen to uncover financial strategies that can help boost revenue and expand patient reach while upholding an unwavering commitment to quality, community care. 

Empowered Motherhood and the Fight for Maternal Health Equity with Dr. Eboni January | MaternalRx

In this must-listen episode of MaternalRx, host Danielle Plummer, PharmD, sits down with Dr. Eboni January (AKA Dr. EJ), award-winning board-certified OBGYN, bestselling author, and America’s Maternal & Women’s Wellness Expert, to unpack what’s really driving the maternal mortality crisis in the U.S.With more than 8,000 babies delivered, Dr. EJ brings frontline clinical insight, cultural competence, and a prevention-first approach to a conversation that moves beyond headlines and into actionable change. Together, Dr. Plummer and Dr. EJ explore why most maternal deaths are preventable, what clinicians often miss, and how healthcare professionals, including pharmacists, can help save lives through earlier intervention, equity-focused care, and better patient education.Episode Highlights:- Why the U.S. has the highest maternal mortality rate among high-income countries- The reality that 80%+ of maternal deaths are preventable- Critical red flags during pregnancy and postpartum that should never be dismissed- Preventive conversations every woman deserves before pregnancy- How health equity shows up (or fails) in real-world clinical care- One pregnancy myth Dr. EJ is ready to retire for goodAbout the Guest:Dr. Eboni January, MD (Dr. EJ) is a nationally recognized OB-GYN, maternal health advocate, and media expert. She is the author of three bestselling books, including Empowered Motherhood, and the founder of multiple women-centered wellness initiatives focused on maternal safety, preventive care, and whole-woman health.Connect with Dr. January:Website: www.doctorej.comSocial: @doctorebonijanuaryConnect with Danielle Plummer, PharmD: www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer/www.Obstet-Rx.comPlease subscribe, rate, and share MaternalRx. Elevating these conversations helps protect mothers and saves lives.

Valentine’s Day Special 2026 | TWIRx

TWIRx – This Week in Pharmacy
Episode Date: February 13, 2026Valentine’s Day Special 💘
This week on TWIRx, hosts Stephen Beckman, PharmD and Todd Eury break down the biggest headlines shaping pharmacy, from workforce trends to policy updates and innovation.
💕 Valentine’s Feature: TogetheRx – A Pharmacy Love Story
In celebration of Valentine’s Day, we welcome Drs. Mark and Gretchen Garofoli, PharmD, a pharmacy power couple who met at the University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy and have built a life and career TogetheRx.
Their journey includes raising a family, leading in pharmacy advocacy, podcasting, academic work with WVU School of Pharmacy, and operating a community pharmacy near Morgantown, WV.
🧪 Love Potion Segment: A Historical Rx
Dr. Mark Fulton, PharmD, host of the RxTales Podcast, joins the show to explore the surprising history of “love potions” and how folklore intersects with early pharmacy and medicine.
🚀 Innovation Spotlight: RxTransfer & Interoperability
We close with Pharmacy 50 Award Winner Alumni 2025, Dr. Lawrence King, PharmD, VP of Product Innovation at Surescripts, discussing RxTransfer, prescription interoperability, and how technology is modernizing pharmacy workflow and patient safety.
❤️ From love stories to pharmacy innovation, this Valentine’s edition celebrates the profession from the heart.
Subscribe, listen, and share as we head into Valentine’s Day 2026.
Valentine’s Day Special 2026 | TWIRx  

Herbal Support for Chronic Lyme Disease with Richard Mandelbaum | Holistic Pharmacy Podcast

Today I am back with one of my herbal teachers to talk about herbal and holistic approaches to managing Lyme disease. It is a topic that is becoming ever more relevant as the medical community has been coming to the realization that there is such a thing as chronic Lyme, where acute measures such as antibiotics fall short.This is where herbal support can really shine in helping to peel back the layers that are causing disharmony and reestablish a healthy foundation for health.Richard Mandelbaum RH is a clinical herbalist with a private practice, offering personalized health consultations, online and in person in the southern Catskills, NY. Richard has been an avid student of our native flora for close to forty years, and in addition to seeing clients he teaches classes in clinical herbal medicine, field botany, and phytochemistry. He is a co-founder and core instructor at the ArborVitae School of Traditional Herbalism and is on the faculty at David Winston’s Center for Herbal Studies and the Won Institute of Graduate Studies. Richard  has been a Registered Herbalist since 2003 and was a member of the American Herbalists Guild board of directors from 2012 to 2018. He lives with his wife Gabrielle and his daughter Rose in their straw bale home in Forestburgh, NY. You can learn more about Richard, including articles, podcast interviews, etc. at Richard Mandelbaum RH.See our past episode about whole planet care and Gaia theory here and my episode with Dr. Christine Arseneau on this topic here.Connect with Richard via:Email: richard@arborvitaeny.com Website: Richard Mandelbaum RH
 

From Innovation and Integration to Impact: Advancing Health System Specialty Pharmacy at UC Davis Health | NASP Specialty Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, Sheila Arquette, President & CEO of NASP, speaks with David G. Mitchell, PharmD, MBA, CSP, FCPhA, Assistant Chief Pharmacy Officer of Specialty Pharmacy & Home Delivery and Ruth Chen, PharmD, MHA, Manager of the Specialty Pharmacy Hub at UC Davis Health in Sacramento. They look at how UC Davis Health has built and scaled one of California’s most integrated health-system specialty pharmacy programs. Dr. Mitchell shares how being embedded within clinics, care teams, and the EHR enables specialty pharmacy to deliver differentiated clinical and operational value while navigating payer, policy, and access challenges in a rapidly evolving landscape. Dr. Chen discusses why a focused rare disease strategy is essential for health-system specialty pharmacies. She walks through the challenges that existed prior to implementing a centralized rare disease hub model and how those challenges shaped the development of a coordinated, pharmacy-led approach that supports patients and providers across complex therapies. Together, this conversation highlights how structure, strategy, and leadership enable innovation, workforce growth, and improved patient care.

Pharmacy 50 Awards Ceremony Part Three | Winners 24 through 13

The Pharmacy 50 Awards are back for the 2025 season, celebrating the people who are pushing the profession forward through leadership, innovation, advocacy, education, and patient care. In Part 3 of this 4-part series, we spotlight an incredible group of pharmacy professionals and industry leaders representing the full spectrum of pharmacy—from independent practice and health systems to digital health, specialty pharmacy, philanthropy, and beyond.
This series is designed to recognize the voices shaping the future of pharmacy and to inspire the next wave of leadership across healthcare.
 
Maurice Shaw, PharmD — Social Media Influencer
Katarina (Kati) Forbes, PharmD — Social Media Influencer
April Nguyen, PharmD — Technology & Digital Health
Mike Johnston, CPhT — Pharmacy Technician
Paul Shelton — Long term Care Pharmacy
Pat Lavella, BS Pharm — Independent Pharmacy
Mark Cuban — Advocacy, Policy, Regulation or Government
Sue Ojageer, PharmD — Social Media Influencer
Sammy Yafai, PharmD — Health System Hospital Pharmacy
Saam Ali, MR Pharm — Technology & Digital Health
Richard Dang, PharmD — Academia & Pharmacy Educator
Trent Twomey, BPharm — Advocacy, Policy, Regulation or Government
 

The GCR Wake-Up Call: How Small Buying Decisions Are Crushing (or Saving) Pharmacy Margin | TWIRx

 Independent pharmacies are dispensing more prescriptions than ever—but too many are seeing their profits shrink month after month. In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, hosts Todd Eury and CEO of MatchRx Johny Kello sit down with Saeed Dinno Director of Pharmacy for a group of independent pharmacies in MI. For a practical, plain-English breakdown of one of the most overlooked metrics impacting pharmacy profitability: GCR, let's dive into this!
This episode isn’t about policy debates, compliance theory, or vendor hype. It’s a real-world conversation designed to help pharmacy owners, managers, and buyers understand how everyday sourcing and dispensing behaviors directly influence margin—often without anyone realizing it.
Saeed explains what GCR actually measures, what it does not measure, and why two pharmacies filling the exact same prescription can end up with completely different financial outcomes. From convenience buying and emergency orders that become routine, to default NDC selection and a disconnect between the buyer and the bench, the episode highlights the subtle habits that quietly erode profitability over time.
More importantly, the conversation delivers actionable steps pharmacies can implement immediately. Saeed outlines the core disciplines that improve performance—smarter buying strategy, better alignment between purchasing and dispensing, and simple operational guardrails that don’t slow workflow. The focus is not on “working harder,” but on working differently.
The episode closes with a clear, clip-worthy takeaway: one specific action pharmacy leaders can take this month to start moving the needle.
If you’ve ever wondered why your pharmacy is busy but the numbers don’t reflect it, this is an episode you’ll want to listen to twice—and put into practice the very next day.Second segment of TWIRx is with Jonathan Adly, CEO of TJM Labs, to discuss his powerful new book, The Innovative Pharmacy: How to Build an 8-Figure Pharmacy One Idea at a Time. At a time when independent pharmacies are being squeezed by rising labor costs, shrinking reimbursements, and increasing operational complexity, Adly delivers a refreshing message: success is still possible—but it requires innovation, clarity, and execution.
Jonathan shares why this book is not a “one-size-fits-all” business blueprint, but a collection of real-world frameworks inspired by hundreds of high-performing pharmacies across the U.S. and Canada. We explore the principles behind sustainable growth, including identifying your ideal customer, building scalable systems through automation, simplifying operations, and playing offense when the math works.
This conversation is a call to action for pharmacy leaders ready to build smarter, faster, and stronger—one bold idea at a time.This episode of TWIRx is sponsored by MatchRx, TJM Labs, Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC) and Sykes & Company. 

Workforce Strategy for Independent Pharmacy Owners | Executive Dose

On this episode of Executive Dose, sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), we tackle one of the most pressing challenges facing independent community pharmacies today: workforce shortages and talent management.Bill Drilling, owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Drilling Pharmacy in Sioux City, Iowa, shares four decades of real-world experience leading a landmark independent pharmacy and developing sustainable teams in a changing labor environment.Joined by Kelli Stovall, RPh, EMBA, Vice President of Clinical Programs and Pharmacy Services at IPC, the conversation explores practical strategies for recruiting, retaining, and empowering pharmacy talent while expanding clinical services and protecting margins.Together, they discuss how independent pharmacies can adapt their workforce models, invest in people, and build resilient operations that support both patient care and long-term business success.About our guests:William "Bill" Drilling is the owner and Pharmacist-in-Charge of Drilling Pharmacy in Sioux City, Iowa, a landmark independent pharmacy he has led for over 40 years. A second-generation owner, he is recognized for his expertise in pharmacy management, immunization programs, and serving on the Iowa Pharmacists Association Board.Kelli Stovall, RPh, EMBA, is the Vice President of Clinical Programs and Pharmacy Services at Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), where she leads initiatives to support independent pharmacy owners. With over two decades of experience, she focuses on enhancing clinical services, driving revenue-generating opportunities, and improving operational performance for community pharmacies. 

Mastering SWOT: Strengthen Your Business Strategy | Marketing Vitals

Do you know how to use a SWOT analysis effectively—or are you making common mistakes that keep your strategy from reaching its full potential? In this episode, we break down what a SWOT is, why it matters for your business, and how to leverage your strengths, address weaknesses, and take advantage of opportunities in your market. We’ll also cover the pitfalls many business owners encounter when conducting a SWOT and share practical tips to make this classic tool a true driver of strategic planning and growth. Tune in to learn how to think strategically and set your business up for success.

Champions of Age-Friendly Care: A Talk with an ASCP Past President | Geriatric Pharmacy Podcast

In this episode, we sit down with a past president of the American Society of Consultant Pharmacists (ASCP) for an insightful conversation on leadership and caring for older adults.    We also dive into what it means to be an age-friendly pharmacist, exploring how the Age-Friendly Health Systems framework and the 4Ms can be applied in real-world pharmacy settings.  Finally, we break down how pharmacists can earn their Age-Friendly Pharmacist badge.Get your Age-Friendly Pharmacist Badge here:  https://www.ascp.com/page/agefriendlyTamara Ruggles, PharmD, BCGP, FASCP: www.linkedin.com/in/tamara-ruggles-491882251Deborah A Milito, Pharm D, BCGP, FASCP, Age-Friendly Pharmacist:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-milito-32a28156/
 

Pharmacy 50 Awards Ceremony Part Two | Winners 36 through 25

The Pharmacy 50 Awards are back for the 2025 season, celebrating the people who are pushing the profession forward through leadership, innovation, advocacy, education, and patient care. In Part 2 of this 4-part series, we spotlight an incredible group of pharmacy professionals and industry leaders representing the full spectrum of pharmacy—from independent practice and health systems to digital health, specialty pharmacy, philanthropy, and beyond.
This series is designed to recognize the voices shaping the future of pharmacy and to inspire the next wave of leadership across healthcare.
 
Walter Oronsaye PharmD — Social Media Influencer
Emily Durham, MS, CPhT — Compounding
Christopher Bowens, PharmD — Health System Hospital Pharmacy
Mark Duman, MRPharmS — Technology & Digital Health
Greg Reybold — Advocacy, Policy, Regulation or Government
Dave Randolph, BSPharm — Independent Pharmacy
Kelley D. Carlstrom, PharmD — Specialty Pharmacy
Andy Crawford — Independent Pharmacy
Brandi Chane, CPhT — Independent Pharmacy
Mayank Amin, PharmD — Independent Pharmacy
Chris Antypas, PharmD — Specialty Pharmacy
Tarah Slusher Davis, PharmD — Independent Pharmacy

Pharmacy Road-map for 2026 and New Opportunities for Growth | TWIRx

TWIRx – January 30 | Special Guest: Marc Essensa, CEO of IPC
On this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we welcome Marc Essensa, President and CEO of the Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC), to discuss timely strategies and resources helping independent pharmacies strengthen their businesses in today’s challenging environment.
Building Your Independent Pharmacy Business
Marc shares insights on navigating reimbursement pressure, improving margins, and leveraging IPC’s purchasing power, data, and strategic tools to support long-term sustainability.
The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide
We break down IPC’s guidance on the Payment Card Interchange Fee Settlement, which may allow pharmacies that accepted Visa or Mastercard between 2004–2019 to recover funds. Marc explains eligibility, next steps, and how recovered dollars can support cash flow, staffing, technology, or inventory investments.
IPC Member Support Services
The conversation highlights IPC’s expanded member support offerings, including business consulting, strategic partnerships, wholesale access, and operational resources designed to help independents stay competitive.
Legislative & Advocacy Updates
Marc also provides updates on IPC’s advocacy efforts at both the state and federal levels, focused on protecting independent pharmacy interests and addressing ongoing policy and reimbursement challenges.
🔗 Resource Mentioned
The Payment Card Settlement: A Practical Guide – IPChttps://www.ipcrx.com/pharmacy-blog/news/the-payment-card-settlement-a-practical-guide/
Special guest:  Sakhi Gaurang Patel is a trailblazing PharmD candidate at the UC Irvine School of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences and a co-founder of the startup CuraVoice. Recognized for her work in healthcare equity, mentorship, and educational technology, she focuses on improving patient communication and reducing health disparities.
Featured Guest: Dr. Jenny Newlon, PharmD — Researcher and Pharmacist with Birth Control Pharmacist
In this episode of This Week in Pharmacy, we sit down with Dr. Jenny Newlon to explore how pharmacist consultants, health clinics, and independent pharmacies can build high-value contraception services that meet urgent community needs.We discuss practical strategies for delivering accessible birth control care—especially in areas that have lost Planned Parenthood centers—while creating new revenue models outside the constraints of traditional PBM reimbursement.
Dr. Newlon breaks down:
How pharmacies can implement contraception services—even with limited staff or clinical infrastructure
Ways to deliver value to patients and communities through education, access, and continuity of care
Forward-thinking business models that diversify revenue beyond dispensing
Tune in to learn how independent pharmacy teams can lead with care, expand women’s health access, and strengthen their role as trusted healthcare providers.Today's "This Week in Pharmacy" is sponsored by Independent Pharmacy Cooperative (IPC)

Infertility, IVF, Foster Care, and Adoption: A Pharmacist’s Journey to Building a Family | MaternalRx

In this powerful episode of MaternalRx on the Pharmacy Podcast Network, host Danielle Plummer, PharmD, speaks with pharmacist Willie Bawarski and his wife, Olivia, about their deeply personal journey through infertility, IVF treatment, foster care, and adoption.Willie and Olivia share the emotional, physical, and financial realities of trying to conceive, navigating fertility treatments, and facing the grief that often accompanies infertility. When their path to parenthood changed, they chose to open their hearts and home through foster care and adoption, ultimately building a beautiful family in ways they never expected.This conversation highlights the critical role pharmacists and healthcare professionals play in supporting patients experiencing infertility and those considering foster care or adoption. Listeners will gain practical insight into using compassionate language, empathy, and trauma-informed care to support individuals and couples during some of the most vulnerable seasons of their lives.Whether you are facing infertility, exploring IVF, considering adoption, working within maternal health, or caring for patients on these journeys, this episode offers hope, validation, and a reminder that family is defined by love, not biology.🔗 Learn more about adoption: https://adoptuskids.org/🔗 Connect with Danielle Plummer, PharmD: www.linkedin.com/in/daniellerplummer/